I think that calling something 'decentralized' has marketing appeal for someone only interested in making money.
Perhaps also Mr. Sun has control issues and can never quite deal with a truly decentralized platform but likes to be looked upon as a pioneer in the field for more complicated and perhaps narcissistic/megalomaniac reasons.
I think you're spot on there its more about the narrative and selling people on the idea and then obfuscating the implementation like oh we're not as shit as banks but low key we are exactly the same. Lets not forget the VC money Justin throws around naturally comes with conditions
Indeed!
When you look at the comments i this posts you can see that there is an obvious play being made to control the narrative.
I would also say 'to save face' but obviously @justinsunsteemit does not have any 'face' to save to begin with.